Orange Babies Montessori appeals for artificial grass to create safer play space for young learners
With muddy patches, dust, and uneven ground limiting outdoor play, Orange Babies Montessori Preschool is appealing for support to give children the safe, stimulating playground they deserve.
Orange Babies Montessori Preschool is calling on the community for support as it works to create a safer and more stimulating outdoor space for its growing number of learners.
With the grass in front of the preschool struggling to survive, leaving behind sand and dust, the school hopes to install artificial grass so that children can enjoy outdoor play without risk of injury or constant exposure to mud and dirt.
Preschool principal Linah Maphaladi said the school is expanding next year to cater for children from one to six years old, building on its strong foundation in Montessori education.
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“Right now, we have children from 18 months to six years. Our facility is well-equipped, and the Montessori foundation we provide allows children to be creative and explore concrete learning activities,” she said.
“Our learners are doing so well from a very young age. They can read, they can do science, they can do maths, but our outdoor playground remains a challenge.”
Maphaladi said the school wants the outdoor environment to mirror the learning taking place inside the classrooms.
“We are really pleading with the public to help us with artificial grass so that whatever they enjoy in the classroom can be transformed into their play outside,” she explained. “Children need a safe space where they can feel free, move freely, and play without fear of getting hurt.”
She added that the current surface makes outdoor play unsafe, especially during rainy weather.
“We are avoiding children getting injured, and we don’t want them to feel uncomfortable about getting dirty every time they go outside. When it rains, the area becomes muddy, and they simply can’t play. That is why we are really pleading for help.”
Maphaladi said the school would welcome any form of support, whether it is funding, artificial grass, materials, or assistance with preparing the play area, including screed and surface preparation.
“We don’t choose what we receive; we appreciate everything. But our biggest need is artificial grass and the related equipment to give our children a safe outdoor learning space.”
Board member Hopkins Kaira echoed the appeal, highlighting the importance of the preschool to the community. “The majority of the children who attend here are from the New Jerusalem Children’s Home,” he said.
“This preschool was built for the orphanage, and we simply do not have enough funds to afford artificial grass for this area. We truly appeal to potential donors to help.”
Despite financial constraints, Orange Babies Montessori remains committed to providing high-quality education. However, the school’s leaders say that without a safe outdoor area, children are missing out on a vital part of their development.
Potential donors can contact Hopkins Kaira on 063 633 0235
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